Article 1

Doís
and Doníts for Leaders

Christian
leadership is a privilege as well as a responsibility. Itís a privilege
because not everyone is called to leadership. Itís a responsibility because
Godís expectation from those in leadership is much greater than what He
expects from average Christians. The Lord in His sovereign grace chose me to be
a leader even before I entered fulltime Christian service in 1975 at the age of
28. I had the privilege of leading the prayer group in the College campus during
my student days. Why the Lord chose me to found and lead a mission from 1971 is
beyond my understanding. I can only say that it is all because of His grace.

The
four decades in Christian leadership has been a time of learning for me. Though
I had been quite successful in the ministry, I have learnt more from my failures
than from victories. I share here with my fellow-leaders and the future leaders
some of the precious lessons I have learnt over the years, at times the hard
way. I write with a burden that they might not repeat my mistakes, but go for
beyond what I could accomplish. The insights from the Scriptures and the input
from Servants of God have kept me strong and steady in demanding and challenging
situations.

Under
Part One I write 10 things a leader must do, and under Part Two 10 things a
leader must not do. I present these counsel with all humility and concern.

There
are three secrets for a successful ministry ó First prayer, second prayer,
third prayer! Because, it is neither by might nor by power but by Godís Spirit
that all true work of God is accomplished. It is possible to begin in the Spirit
and end in flesh. God anoints His men rather than their methods and machinery.
Jesus accomplished so much in three years and six months but He never allowed
any work to crowd out prayer from His life. None of us need be busier than He.
There is a freshness about a leader who keeps inhaling the fragrance of prayer.
If we do not learn to carry our ministerial burdens to the Lord in prayer, we
will be crushed by them and finally collapse. Prayer means exchanging our heavy
burdens for the light yoke of Jesus (Mt 11:28-30). The work is always great and
the harvest always plenty. But the command of Jesus is, "Pray
therefore" before "Go therefore!" (Mt 9:38; 28:19). Leonard
Ravenhill writes, A minister who is not praying is straying. Travelling is
important but travai1ing even more. Preachers are in danger of asking the people
to pray for them but neglecting personal prayer. Paul said, "I bow my
knees" and then he urged the people, "You strive together with
me in your prayers" (Eph 3:14; Rom 15:30).

2.
Have a disciplined study life.

Apostle
Paul admonished Timothy the young minister to "give attention to
reading" (l Tim 4:13). "For the lips of a priest should keep
knowledge, and people should seek the Law from his mouth; for he is the
messenger of the Lord of hosts" (Mal 2:7). The early hours of the day are
best for meditation and unhurried study. It is possible to preach sermons with a
superficial knowledge of the Scriptures. We should get deep into the Word using
the study aids available. "I donít refer to any study help or commentary
but learn directly from God!"ó So have I heard from more than one person.
Though this sounds spiritual, it is not Scriptural. Paul instructed Timothy to
teach faithful men what all he had learnt from him and let the process continue
(2 Tim 2:2). God has placed "teachers" in the Church for its growth
and edification (Eph 4:11). Teachers can either be heard or read. The only way
to be benefitted from the teachers of the past or a distant country is to read
their writings. Therefore use Commentaries and Study Bibles freely. No one
prevents you from going beyond them. Read as much as possible. People should
learn atleast a few new things everytime they hear you. Travelling time can be
profitably used for reading. (Click: Be a Bible Student!)

3.
Spend sufficient time with your family.

Every
leader should maintain this order of priorityóGod first, family second and
ministry third. Reversal of this order means serious consequences. Let no
preacher say, "I am sacrificing my family for the ministry." See what
Godís word says: "If a man does not know how to rule (manage) his own
house, how will he take care of the Church of God?" (1 Tim 3:5). The wife
does not want a preacher at home but a husband, and the children not a leader
but a father. Spend quality time with the family and be involved in domestic
affairs like marketing, gardening, cleaning, etc. Peter cared for his
mother-in-law. Jesus knew how much tax was to be paid. The disciples knew the
cost of a perfume. Play indoor or outdoor games with the family members. Have
regular vacationing. Donít always talk religion but enjoy the jokes of the
children. Eat together and have relaxed chats while dining. If possible, take
your wife with you for ministry. In any case donít be separated for long. Donít
share the defects of your wife with the women you meet in your ministry. You are
in for trouble. When writing letters, address the husband or both the husband
and wife. Let your wife reply personal letters to women. If your wife is not
capable of handling such correspondence, direct the candidates to women
ministers. "Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you"
(Prov 2:11).

4.
Keep your body fit.

The
body is the temple of God and it must be properly maintained (1 Cor 3:16). Eat
balanced food and avoid overeating. Timely meal and good rest will give you
extra years of service. Go to bed early and get up early. Do some daily
exercise. Do lot of walking and bicycling. Donít get addicted to motorised
vehicles. Preachers should not think that bicycling is below their dignity. It
is a false Indian prestige. Upto His thirtieth year Jesus was a busy carpenter,
and during the next three and a half years he did so much of walking and
mountain-climbing. He carried His own cross. He kept His body trim and fit.
Praise God for comforts but donít be addicted to them. Simple living and high
thinkingóthis should be our watchword. Flee sexual immorality. It is against
your own body (1 Cor 6:1.8). You will lose your anointing and strength. Have a
periodical medical check-up and attend to any problem immediately (1 Tim 5:23).
Claim divine health (3 Jn 2).

5.
Listen patiently to counsellors and critics.

"Where
there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there
is safety" (Prov 11:14). "Better is a poor and wise youth than an old
and foolish king who will be admonished no more" (Eccl 4:13). When we reach
certain level of popularity, more and more worldly people will surround us. The
simple but godly friends wi1l go unnoticed. The Book of Psalms begins with a
warning: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the
ungodly." Criticisms will not appear pleasant to us, but if we prayerfully
and patiently consider them we will be greatly benefitted. "Faithful are
the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy (the ungodly) are
deceitful" (Prov 27:6). Herbert Vander Lugt says, "When someone
criticizes you, resist the impulse to find an excuse for your actions. Donít
look for ways to defend yourself. Donít become angry. Listen gratefully, and
do what is right. Thatís how to benefit from criticism!"

6.
Build nextline leadership.

In
the Old Testament the leadership was mostly singular. But there is a definite
shift to the plurality of leadership in the New Testament. The words bishop or
pastor or elder refer to one and the same office and these ministers are always
mentioned in the plural throughout the New Testament (Acts 14:23; 20:17; Phil
1:1; 1 Thess 5:12; Tit 1:5; Heb 13:7,17,24; Js 5:14). This is Godís definite
plan for leadership for any New Testament ministry. A leader should be delivered
from the lust of keeping the sole authority and absolute control of the ministry
with himself. We have only one head and that is Christ. All others including the
leaders are only organs of the Body. We must share responsibilities and delegate
authority to men on whom we find the necessary grace bestowed. Leaders must
voluntarily retire to give opportunity to the nextliners and stand behind the
young leaders to support and counsel. People generally will not be mature enough
to accept this arrangement but leaders should boldly take such steps counting on
Godís enabling grace. The death of a founder-leader should in no way slow down
the onward march of a ministry.

7.
Maintain balance in ministry.

We
must avoid extremes in preaching and practice lest we become spiritual
eccentrics. Preach both about Heaven and Hell, love of God and His
righteousness, sanctification and service, First Advent and Second Coming,
Calvary and Pentecost, salvation and hea1ing, prosperity and adversity, position
in Christ and condition, gifts and fruits of the Spirit, personal soulwinning
and corporate ministry, revival and evangelism, and so on. Only this way we can
join Paul and testify, "I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have
not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God" (Acts
20:26,27). If we donít serve wholesome meal to the people who hear us
regularly, we will send them around with tinted glasses and this will cause
great harm to the overall growth of the Body of Christ. Also evangelistic and
revival ministries must consider themselves as a supplement and not a substitute
to the local church. The church is the building and the para-church
organisations, so called, are a scaffolding. (Click:A
Call to Balance!)

8.
Let your love for people be genuine.

God
so loved the world that He gave His Son (Jn 3:16). Christ so loved the Church
that He gave Himself (Eph 5:25). Several healing ministries which begin with a
compassion for people become commercialised in course of time. It is possible to
continue to manifest the miraculous gifts of the Spirit without a genuine love.
This awful possibility is explained in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, "Though I have
the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though
I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am
nothing." If we love and respect rich people more than the poor, it is
actually love of money. Read James 3:1-4 and understand this truth. Some
preachers are really blessed with tears in prayer (Acts 20:31), and if you donít
have that grace, please donít go about telling your hearers and readers that
you would pray for their problems "with tears." We can cheat people
today but a day of reckoning is near. Meditating on Godís love towards people
makes it easy for us to love them. We should constantly meditate on Calvary to
keep our hearts broken and filled with divine love.

9.
Examine your life and ministry periodically.

Setting
aside one day every month and a couple of days twice or thrice a year for
self-examination and introspection. This is a very healthy and helpful practice.
The hymn-writer sang, "Take time to be holy." Jesus said,
"Come apart." David prayed, "Search me, O God, and know my
heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there is any
wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psa 139:23,24).
Investigation, interrogation and inspection! Success and blessing can easily
blind our eyes to the plan and purpose of God. A sudden disaster will awaken us
to realize the neglect of periodic overhauling. Open and transparent fellowship
with reliable and mature leaders is a must for any preacher. Donít be a loner.
When God convicts us of a particular action or a course we followed, we should
have the courage to tell the people we were wrong. That is manliness. God will
back us. John the Apostle lived closest to Jesus and he received greatest
revelations. But he worshipped the angel twice. On both occasions he was
corrected. He did not cover this fundamental mistake but faithfully recorded it
(Rev 19:10; 22:8,9). (Click: Periodic check-up for Pastors)

10.
Do everything with eternity in view.

Jesus
endured the cross, despising the shame "for the joy that was set before
Him" (Heb 12:2). Paul said, "But one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I
press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ
Jesus" (Phil 3:13,14). He warned the ministers, "Let each one take
heed how he builds... Each oneís work will become manifest; FOR
THE DAY will DECLARE IT, because it will be revealed by fire; and the
fire will test each oneís work, of what sort it is" (1 Cor 3:10,13).
Success will be applauded here, but faithfulness rewarded THERE!

The Ten Commandments contain only two Doís but eight Doníts!
The teaching of Christ and the apostles also had lots of Doníts. This was not
because man fell into sin. Even before sin entered the world, God gave a Donít
commandment to man. Therefore, eventhough the Doníts may appear negative we
must take them as warnings and precautions against dangers for our own safety
and wellbeing. Here are some Doníts for you in leadership. To be forewarned is
to be forearmed.

1. Donít copy other ministries.

We are all called to work in the same vineyard but Godís
assignments to ministers differ. Some are called to be eyesósay, prophets.
"If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing?" (1 Cor
12:17). Some are to be handsósay, helpers. Legs or feet may speak of pioneer
missionaries, and so on. "Let every one remain with God in that calling in
which he was called" (1 Cor 7:24). Donít change track in the race. Just
because a particular type of ministry is more popular, successful or appealing
to people, donít jump into it like the businessmen of this world. You have a
race that is set before you. Run it with "endurance"ó patience,
determination, steadiness, perseverance, resolution, courage (Heb 12:1). We can
learn so many helpful things from other ministries but we should not lose the
originality God has given us. When we start doing what God has not called us to
do, we still will be finding some blessing but would have missed Godís best
for us. God delights in variety. Look at the creation to appreciate His taste.
"Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of
miracles?" (1 Cor 12:29). The answer is simply "no." We should be
a voice, not an echo.

2. Donít exceed your limits.

Paul wrote, "I say, through the grace given to me, to
everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to
think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of
faith" (Rom 12:3). In the parable of talents, we find all were not given
equal number of talents. One was given five, the other two and the next just
one. Godís demand is only according to what is given to us. It is good to plan
big projects but the Bible admonishes us to "sit down first and count the
cost" whether we have enough to finish it. I have painfully watched many
faith evangelists in the TV literally begging people to
help pay the large pending bills or the huge bank loans. This does not bring
glory to God. One of the broadcasting agencies in India tells of some
evangelists who donít even reply its repeated reminders to pay their long dues
of airtime cost. One should not try to do everything and get into trouble.
Expansion is a blessing from God, but we can always run ahead of Him. Sometimes
we fix and announce big targets which are not clearly guided by the Lord, and
then to save our face before the people we turn heaven and earth and end up in
fleshly methods. Also avoid sympathy appeals which actually let God down.

3. Donít compete with other
ministries.

We need to draw inspiration from the progress of other
ministries, but the realisation that we are all serving the same Lord and
working towards the same goal will keep us from unhealthy competition. Look at
the example of Jesus in John 4:1-3. "When the Lord knew that the Pharisees
had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John... He left Judea
and departed again to Galilee." What a lesson! Years ago while attending an
international conference a Western mission leader asked me how many fulltime
workers we had. At that time we had just thirty and I gave that number. The
leader of another mission in India was standing by my side. Without anyone
asking him he said, "We have fifty!" This rat race should stop. We
should die to our boasting of figures and achievements. "Let not the wise
man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the
rich man glory in his riches;... He who glories, let him glory in the Lord"
(Jer 9:23; 1 Cor 1:31). We should learn to rejoice over the victories of another
ministry. "Rejoice with those who rejoice" (Rom 12:15). God may bypass
an older mission and bless a newly started one, as in the case of Saul and
David. But we should never give place to envy. Envy is bone cancer! (Prov
14:30).

4. Donít violate rules.

The Christian life and ministry are compared to athletics, an
army, a building, and so on. These are all governed by definite rules and
regulations. Apostle Paul firmly said, "If anyone competes in athletics, he
is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (2 Tim 2:5). The
philosophy of the Christian ministerial world today is that the end justifies
the means. Do anything, anyway, as long as it blesses the people and benefits
the preacher. This is totally alien to the teaching of the Lord and His
apostles. The Biblical principles should not be violated under any circumstance.
God cannot honour such a work. The quality of the materials we use in our
building will be tested on the final day by fireóeven the Word of God (1 Cor
3:12,13; Jer 23:29). A new brand of preachers has come up baptizing all their
methods and practices with the formula, "God told me!" People are
afraid to think or discern. It must be clearly established that God never
contradicts His written Word. Letís beware of forgetting the Scriptural
principles while evolving fund-raising techniques and promotional methods.
Another sad thing is that defection of workers in ministries has become common.
But the other ministries should not directly or indirectly encourage the
defectors. Leaders should maintain high ethical standards. The 10th Commandment
says, "You shall not covet your neighbourís manservant, nor his
maidservant... nor anything that is your neighbourís" (Ex 20:17). What
you would not want others do to you, donít do it to them!

5. Donít exaggerate.

"Let your ĎYesí be ĎYesí and your ĎNoí be
ĎNo.í For whatever is more than these is from the evil one" (Mt 5:37).
Almost every ministry has its magazine to report its news. We should be honest
in reporting. God will judge us for what impression we leave on the readers
rather than what information we serve. If 600 people attended our meeting, we do
not bring glory to God by saying, "About 1000 people attended!"
Because it is a lie, we actually honour the devil, who is a liar and the father
of lies. The first petition in the Lordís prayer is, "Hallowed be Your
name!" How often we have dishallowed His name by exaggerated and twisted
reporting! For our people, anything above a few thousands is one lakh! Preachers
should not exploit this. If a modern magazine reports the five-loaves-two-fish
miracle, it will simply add two more digits to the 5000 and the photographic
manipulation will make it appear true! The photographs sent by certain Indian
agencies sometimes make the Western friends think that most of the Indians live
on the streets, carry bowls begging from house to house, and are primitive
tribes. They need pictures and we need dollars and thus we "help" each
other! Letís repent of this sin of giving wrong impressions.

6. Donít aim to please men.

The testimony of Paul is a great challenge. "Do I now
persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I
would not be a servant of Christ" (Gal 1:10). We are called to bless
people, not please them. Jesus is called "a stumbling stone and rock of
offense" (Rom 9:33). And Paul speaks of the "offense of the
Cross" (Gal 5:11). Several times we read in the gospels that the people
were "offended at Him" (Mt 13:57; Mk 6:3). Once the disciples of Jesus
came and said to Him, "Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when
they heard this saying?" But He answered and said, "Every plant which
My Heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are
blind leaders of the blind" (Mt 15:12-14). Donít hide the truth just to
keep some rich and influential men with you. Donít soft-pedal while preaching
that you may gain wide acceptance. John the Baptist did not garland the
Pharisees and Sadducees saying, "What a privilege to have you in our
campaign!" He simply called them, "Brood of vipers!" and urged
them to repent. Apostle Paul asked the Galatian Christians, "Have I
therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?" (Gal 4:16).

7. Donít project yourself.

John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must
decrease" (Jn 3:30). And Jesus told of John, "Among those born of
women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist" (Mt 11:11). It
is sickening to see Christian magazines projecting individuals from cover to
cover. The evangelist is photographed in all posesólike cine stars. After
reading a magazine or listening to a message we should be able to exclaim,
"What a wonderful Saviour we have!" and not "What a powerful
preacher he is!" Donít go after titles. One of the greatest Indian
apostles of the last century was just called Brother Bakht Singh. Jesus said,
"You are all brothers" (Mt 23:8). There are institutions which offer a
"Doctorate" for just Rs. 50/- or 100/-. Titles have become so cheap.

8. Donít be questionable in money
matters.

Paul writes to the Corinthians, "Avoiding this: that
anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by usóproviding
honourable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of
men" (2 Cor 8:20,21). In some churches, the huge sums received by pastors
as "tithes" from people are not accounted. Unaccounted money is black
money. India Missions Association admits missions as members only if they have
their accounts audited and duly submitted to the Government. We need financial
accountability because we are handling public money. A minister should not keep
his wife or any relative as the Treasurer. We should live above reproach. The
Apostles left the business affairs which involved finance into the hands of
"seven men of good reputation" chosen by the people (Acts 6:3). Billy
Graham testifies, "All financial affairs of our Association are in the
hands of the Board of Directors; I have no control over this aspect of the work.
Along with the other evangelists on our staff, I am paid a salary by the Board.
Our finances are audited... and the report is made available to our
supporters." Thank God for the many leaders in India who can so testify.
Examine whether your hands are clean.

9. Donít be selfish.

"There should be no division in the body, but that the
organs should have the same care for one another" (1 Cor 12:25). "Let
each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests
of others" (Phil 2:4). Look for opportunities to help other ministries.
Share your resources and know1edge with them. It matters not who pounds the
paddy provided it becomes rice! Also in your own ministry, donít always try to
bring yourself and your family to the forefront. Give ample opportunities to
others and endeavour to bring them up. As we get older, "Let the young men
now arise, and play before us" (2 Sam 2:14). They should not wait for our
death! Let them take up the leadership and we can always advise them from
behind.

10. Donít spread evil reports.

"He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbour, but
a man of understanding holds his peace. A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who
is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter" (Prov 11:12,13). When you hear
something bad about a leader, the only thing you are permitted to do is to plead
for him before the Throne for his restoration, and to exhort him privately.
Doctrinal errors, heresies and unscriptural practices of course must be exposed
and people warned. But the pulpit or the press should not be used for character
assassination. When the backslidden Saul died, David said, "Tell it not in
Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelonólest the daughters of the
Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph" (2
Sam 1:20). Two Scripture verses are conclusive: "We ALL
stumble in Many things," "LOVE
will COVER a multitude of sins" (Js 3:2; 1 Pet 4:8).